Still no ID for victim killed by JPSO detective investigating alleged drug deal

Officials on Thursday had not released the name of a man killed by a Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office detective during a drug investigation Wednesday night.

A spokesman for the Jefferson Parish coroner's office said Thursday morning that authorities had not yet been able to notify relatives.

Staff Photo by Michael DeMockerMembers of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office examine the body of a man lying between cars in the parking lot of the Sweethome Motel at 4231 Airline Drive in Metairie. According to police, the man was shot after he pulled a gun on a detective during a drug bust.

The shooting occurred after plainclothes detectives with the special investigations division followed up on a tip of a possible drutg deal at the Home Sweet Home Motel in the 4200 block of Airline Drive.

The deputies were on patrol because of a recent rash of armed robberies in the area, Dyess said.

The detectives approached the two men, Dyess said, and an argument broke out in which one of the men began to fight with one of the detectives.

During the struggle, the man pulled a semi-automatic gun from his waistband and pointed it at the detectives, Dyess said.

At this point, one detective fired a single shot, fatally wounding the man. It was not yet clear where the victim was struck.

Deputies had identified the man but were not yet releasing his name or age, Dyess said. There was a record, however, that he had checked into the hotel.

The second man did not appear to be involved with the fight, Dyess said, and investigators were questioning him and looking for additional witnesses.

Charges are pending on the outcome of the investigation, Dyess said.

During their initial investigation, deputies found a small crack pipe on the scene, Dyess said.

Anyone with information about this shooting should contact Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111 or toll-free at (877) 903-7867. Callers do not have to give their names or testify and can earn up to $2,500 for tips that lead to an indictment.